Grantee Research Project Results

2008 Progress Report: Study to Determine a Baseline of Nitrogen Excretion from Broiler Chickens as it Relates to Ammonia Odor Production

EPA Grant Number: R833150
Title: Study to Determine a Baseline of Nitrogen Excretion from Broiler Chickens as it Relates to Ammonia Odor Production
Investigators: Cherry, Tim , Jerez, Sheryll
Institution: Stephen F Austin State University
EPA Project Officer: Chung, Serena
Project Period: October 1, 2007 through September 30, 2010
Project Period Covered by this Report: October 1, 2007 through September 30,2008
Project Amount: $192,200
RFA: Targeted Research Grant (2007) Recipients Lists
Research Category: Targeted Research , Air Quality and Air Toxics

Objective:

The objective of this project is to determine a baseline for the amount of nitrogen in commercial broiler facilities which has a direct correlation to the amount of ammonia released into the atmosphere. All incoming and outgoing sources of nitrogen will be monitored by weighing each source in kilograms for standard and low crude protein diets. From the data collected, a mass nitrogen balance will be calculated. The mass nitrogen balance will accurately calculate the amount of nitrogen (in the form of ammonia) that is released into the atmosphere for each treatment. The amount that cannot be directly measured will account for the nitrogen that has volatized in the atmosphere. The equation will then be extrapolated to determine a baseline for the amount of nitrogen that is released into the atmosphere per bird for a commercial broiler facility.

Progress Summary:

Initial research to determine the amount of nitrogen excreted at various ages of birds during a grow-out period of 49 days has been conducted under simulated broiler production facilities. This study is in agreement with the project’s primary objective of determining the amount of nitrogen that dissipates in a broiler system. Preliminary results showed that the average nitrogen content in litter, cake litter, and carcass increased significantly from day 0 to day 49. Nitrogen partitioning also showed that carcass had the highest nitrogen content (69 g/bird on day 49) while the nitrogen content of litter was only slightly more than half of the carcass   (38 g/bird on day 49). Results of this study will quantify the baseline ammonia production in commercial broiler facilities through the use of the mass balance approach, which is in agreement with the project’s primary goal. This study will also be helpful in determining the optimum amount of crude protein in the bird’s diet that will minimize the ammonia production yet achieve the desired weight gain and feed efficiency demanded in the broiler industry.

Future Activities:

In the succeeding experiments, the amount of ammonia that is directly released into the atmosphere as affected by the age of the birds and their diets will be measured using a real-time ammonia analyzer. Flux chambers, where the emissions from the litter will be measured, will be used together with a real-time ammonia analyzer (TEI Model 17i). A multi-point sampling system will also be constructed so that ammonia concentrations can be measured sequentially at three locations. The multi-point sampling system consists of a data acquisition system, solenoid valves, and tubing. Measurements will be conducted throughout the whole growth out period of 49 days and will be repeated for at least 4 times.  

Supplemental Keywords:

Nitrogen, broiler flocks, feed conversion, commercial broiler facilities, clean air, nitrogen emissions, ammonia, nitrogen balance, agricultural products, agriculture, environment, pollution, agriculture, protein diet, ammonia production, caked litter, nitrogen excretion, odor pollution

Progress and Final Reports:

Original Abstract

2009

Final